Lila: An Inquiry into Morals
Just finished the book Lila: An Inquiry into Morals. A definite must read. If you've read Pirsig's first book, you will know what to expect, but I liked this one even more. It's somehow more practical and provides a fresh view on the big questions in life.
But it is difficult to read. Well, I suppose it's not a simple subject, and his meticulous exploration of every detail is necessary. And that is partly what I like about his books as well. It's not just some easy to read feel good book, that provides you with feel good catch phrases on a plate. You reason with the author, exploring and following his train of thought from beginning to end.
Unfortunately this is why many people will not read this book. Even though it provides much more than just a rehash of new age values (like the recent The Secret) it is not as accessible. You have to dig a little.
RichardDawkins.net – The Official Richard Dawkins Website
Christopher Hitchens - Religion Poisons Everything.
Havent had a chance to read it in full, but here's the link...
Rolling Stone : Inside Scientology
Rolling Stone : Inside Scientology
It's always funny when you read about silly people with silly notions, and that is how I felt when I started reading that article. But if you read until the end, you will realize that this "church" is messing with real people and real emotions. It is not harmless. There are people that clearly benefit from the the work of others.
That is not freedom.
"I'd like to start a religion," Eshbach recalls Hubbard saying. "That's where the money is."
Self help sham
Scientific American: SHAM Scam by Michael Shermer
If you need to pay for someone's help, why is it called "self-help"?
Exactly.
Exploring Consciousness filmfest
So I wondered what movies were showing at the Neelsie (local student center) this week. To my surprise, there is a film fest called *Exploring Consciousness*.
Hmm sounds interesting.
Or maybe not.
**What The Bleep Do We Know?**
..."an almost fantastic 'Alice in Wonderland' adventure, revealing the world of quantum physics hidden behind what we consider to be our waking reality."
Sounds good, but not after you read [this review by Richard Dawkins and other scientists](http://film.guardian.co.uk/features/featurepages/0,4120,1484925,00.html#article_continue) that should understand more about the science behind the film than most people.
**ONE the Movie**
"Life's ultimate questions answered by christians, buddhists, muslims, jews, atheists, philosophers, mystics, monks and more."
Shouldn't the movie be titled "FORTY TWO" then ;)
Maybe I'll go see this one.
**Circle Chasers**
"A film about the sheer beauty and symbols of crop circles that appeared in Wiltshire in 2004."
Do people still think aliens make these crop circles - [well they didn't](http://www.circlemakers.org/totc2004.html).
**My Hare Krishna Family**
"Frank Opperman explores the themes of religion/relationships through the life of of his sister.
This looks like the most interesting film of the bunch - I'll go have a look.
It's a pity all these shows are R20, because some of them are short movies, and while some may be interesting, they are not worth R20.
South Park on Scientology
Just saw the latest episode of South Park about Scientology (912 - Trapped in the Closet). This is another great episode that pokes fun at the really ridiculous ideas that are accepted as fact by some people. And the best (or scariest) part is that they didn't have to *make up anything*. I'm glad that there are still some people in the media that are not afraid to take on pseudo religious groups and expose them for what they really are. You shouldn't be afraid of offending people or getting sued for speaking the truth, which seems to be the norm these days.
Scientologists are especially quick to sue, just Google and you won't believe the lengths they go to.
I wonder who they're gonna sue now - all the credits for the episode went to Jane/John Smith ;)
Just a pity this episode will not air here for a long time - those damn creepy dianetics peddlers in the malls won't go away...